Permanent total disability (PTD) benefit

PTD benefits pay a worker when that person can't perform sustained, paid employment due to their work-related injury

Permanent Total Disability (PTD) is defined as the injured worker’s inability to perform sustained, paid (remunerative) employment due to an approved work-related injury.
PTD benefits pay the injured worker for impairment of their earning capacity. PTD compensation is payable for life.

PTD award amount

PTD is based on the injured worker’s average weekly wage that was in effect at the date of injury and the statewide average wage. For a specific amount, contact the assigned Claims Service Specialist (CSS) by phone, fax or email.

What is the DWRF benefit?

Injured workers receiving PTD benefits may also be eligible to receive the Disabled Worker Relief Fund (DWRF) benefit. DWRF is a separate supplemental fund that ensures an injured worker’s PTD benefit stays at the current cost-of-living level based on the consumer price index.

No form is needed to apply for DWRF. If the injured worker is approved for PTD benefits, they must also be evaluated by a BWC PTD/DWRF Claims Service Specialist (CSS) to see if they qualify for DWRF benefits. If the worker is qualified, they will be notified by a BWC Order (which is a written notice).